Recently, we previewed this year's Top Specialty Contractors ranking, which will publish as part of ENR Southeast's Sept. 21, 2015, print edition. In conjunction with that annual ranking—and all of our "Top" lists—ENR Southeast recognizes one survey participant as its "Firm of the Year."

In a vote by a national group of ENR editors, St. Petersburg, Fla.-based electrical firm Power Design Inc. was chosen from a group of nominees as this year's Southeast Specialty Contractor of the Year.

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Florida-based electrical contracting firm Power Design Inc. reported a roughly 69% in Southeast revenue via ENR Southeast's annual Top Specialty Contractors survey. (Photo courtesy Power Design Inc.)

One of the main criteria for this recognition is positive revenue growth. On this measure, Power Design did well, with the firm's 2014 regional revenue jumping by roughly 69%. The company also noted that it has increased the number of employees by about 19%  since January 1 of this year.

There were other notable factors weighing in the company's favor, not the least of which was its inclusion on Forbes’ 2015 list of the 100 Best Workplaces for Millenials, as well as several other notable recognitions. Another notable factor was Power Design's community outreach program—called Project V5—which is partly powered by scrap metal collected at the contractor's job sites. After gathering up the scrap material, the company uses it as the foundation for charitable giving. To date, the company says that it has funded donations to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, as well as a humanitarian mission to Haiti in 2010, among others.

Another example of how the company is attempting to stand out comes from this "Power of 1" video from its Youtube channel, where CEO Mitch Permuy offers an impassioned plea against distracted driving, and pledges the company's resources to help with this mission. It's worth a look.


ENR Southeast will provide more information about the firm in our upcoming Sept. 21 print edition—where you'll also be able to check out this year's Top Specialty Contractors ranking.